New Leaf means a fresh start for people in Cheshire

New Leaf, an innovative new project with ambitious aims to change the lives of people across Warrington and Cheshire, held its first Board meeting recently.

Launched early October this year, the £10.6 million scheme is lead by Golden Gates Housing Trust (GGHT) and the Building Better Opportunities programme is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund.

New Leaf’s launch heralds the introduction of a wide range of opportunities and initiatives for residents, and will provide much needed help and support for people who have previously found securing and sustaining a job difficult.

Ken Perry, New Leaf Independent Board member and Director of Do-Well (UK) said “We have assembled a talented Board and an outstanding range of partners that all share a very real commitment to removing all barriers to people being able to enjoy the benefits of a working life. Some people just find it more challenging to get a job and we want to end that inequality.”

“With the National Lottery, Torus Group, the Local Enterprise Partnership and the EU behind us, we have confidence that a challenge that has lasted over a generation can be properly addressed.”

Aims, aspirations and a robust action plan for the next 3 years were all discussed at this first meeting of project partners and independent members.

Tracey Walsh, New Leaf Programme Manger at GGHT said, “It is a great asset to have Board Members who have the expertise to support, mitigate risk and challenge the development of the New Leaf Programme. The Board’s role is integral to ensuring the success and creating the lasting legacy of the programme. I am looking forward to a very productive relationship going forward.”

The New Leaf project will run until 2019. A website detailing the opportunities and activities offered, along with where and when to access them, will launch in late November. In the meantime, information can be found at http://newleafcheshire.co.uk/